Essentials of United Brethren History: 10 Events, 10 Bishops, and 10 Issues You Should Know About

By Steve Dennie

In 1767, two German-speaking ministers--one Mennonite, one German Reformed--met at an evangelistic meeting in Lancaster, Pa. They realized they shared a common experience of spiritual rebirth, and declared, "Wir sund bruder." We are brethren. They worked together for the next 33 years in an informal movement which kept growing. Finally, in 1800, they organized as a denomination: the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. It was the first "Made in America" denomination. All others, to that point, were transplants from Europe. Over 250 years later, the Church of the United Brethren in Christ remains, with churches in nearly 20 countries. This book tells the story of this evangelical denomination in a popular and accessible way. The information is divided into three sections. 10 Events consists of ten chapters which, together, give the history of the United Brethren Church from its beginning to the present. You'll learn all about that historic meeting in 1767, and see the movement turn into an organized denomination in 1800. You'll watch the United Brethren denomination spread aggressively to the west along with the young nation, starting churches in hundreds of pioneer settlements. You'll experience the traumatic division which occurred in 1889, then see how those who split off rebuilt under new leadership. You'll see the UB Church start churches and other ministries in countries around the world. 10 Bishops consists of mini-biographies of bishops who left a significant mark. Any organization, after all, is a reflection of its leaders. You'll read about: Founder William Otterbein, who came to America in 1755 as a German Reformed missionary and became one of the nation's most respected churchmen. Bishop Christian Newcomer, who traveled thousands of miles on horseback, greatly expanding the young denomination. Jacob Glossbrenner, who served 40 years as bishop--longer than anyone else--and his decision to remain in Virginia throughout the Civil War years. The interesting and complex Bishop Milton Wright, father of the Wright Brothers, who led the Church through the division of 1889. 10 Issues covers such areas as theology, social action, ministers, membership standards, ecumenical relationships, and more. Together, these chapters describe what has been important to the United Brethren Church and its people. You'll learn about: The "unity amidst diversity" ethos which is at the core of who United Brethrenism. The early stand against slavery and what it cost us. The long-held opposition to secret societies, like the Masonic order. The denomination's openness toward women in ministry. United Brethren stands on alcohol and various other social issues. The "frontier first" preference for taking the Gospel to places where few others are working. The author, Steve Dennie, grew up in the United Brethren Church and spent 45 years working in the US national office as editor and Communications director. This is his sixth book related to United Brethren history.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F3X5F1YG
• ISBN13: 9798308351283
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 296 Pages
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.7" x 6.0"